Accelerated Phase and Blast Crisis Phase Treatment

The goal in treating accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and blast crisis phase CML is to eliminate all cells that have the Bcr-Abl oncogene and achieve a remission. If all the oncogenes can't be destroyed, the goal is to return the disease to the chronic phase.

Some people with CML have very high white cell counts at the time of diagnosis. This can reduce blood flow to the brain, lungs, eyes and other parts of the body and cause damage to small blood vessels. Hydrea might be used to decrease the white cell count. After the white cell count drops, oral drug therapy such as Gleevec can be started.

If you would like to read about these drugs individually, including information about side effects, click here.

Leukapheresis

Patients with dangerously high white cell counts can have some white cells removed during a process called leukapheresis. A machine similar to a dialysis machine removes white cells from your blood. Once your white blood cell count decreases, you can begin oral therapy.

Leukapheresis can be a good choice for women diagnosed with CML in the first months of pregnancy, when drug therapy may be harmful to the unborn baby.

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.